Oh, fall—my absolute favorite season! The crisp air, pumpkin spice lattes in hand, and the cozy outfits that make you feel like you’re starring in your own little Pinterest board. But as much as I love a good plaid scarf moment, let’s face it: I don’t always have time to give my house a full seasonal overhaul. I’m already juggling school drop-offs, snack requests, and the ever-important task of remembering where I last put my car keys.
That’s why I’ve perfected the art of quick and affordable fall decorating hacks. Moms, if you’re on the go like me but still want that cozy autumn vibe, I’ve got you covered. Grab your PSL (or, let’s be real, your half-finished cup of cold coffee) and let’s make your home fall-ready without breaking a sweat - or the bank.
First up, pumpkins. I used to think carving pumpkins was a must for fall, but who has the time or patience for that when you’re constantly finding random Legos underfoot? Instead, I’ve become a huge fan of mini pumpkins. You can grab a bag of them for cheap at any grocery store, and here’s the secret sauce: gold spray paint. Yep, I said it. A little spray paint and your mini pumpkins are instantly elevated. Bonus points if you let the kids go wild with stickers or paint to “personalize” them.
Last year, my youngest decided to turn her pumpkin into a “unicorn princess.” We had glitter everywhere for weeks, but hey, it gave her something to do for an afternoon. And now, every time I see a pumpkin, I can’t help but smile and think of our sparkly disaster. Mom Tip: Keep them corralled in a cute basket by the entryway. Functional and adorable.
Now, onto the holy grail of fall coziness: plaid. As much as I love wrapping myself in a plaid blanket scarf (when I’m not chasing after toddlers), I’ve realized that plaid blankets are the real MVP for fall home decor. You can drape them over the back of your couch, layer them on your bed, or even fold one neatly in a basket by the fireplace. It’s an instant cozy factor.
Quick story: I had a friend over last fall, and she asked if I had redecorated my living room. “Nope,” I said, “just threw a plaid blanket on the couch and called it a day.” She literally thought I had hired an interior designer! Moms, this is what I call maximum impact, minimum effort. Trust me, people will think you’ve gone full Martha Stewart with this one.
Candles are the easiest way to make your home feel like a fall wonderland. But here’s the thing: I once bought a cinnamon-scented candle so strong, it felt like I was living inside a Cinnabon. Not ideal. Now, I stick to subtle, earthy scents like sandalwood, amber, or a light pumpkin spice. Pro Tip: Group candles of different heights together on a tray, maybe throw in a couple of those mini pumpkins, and voila - instant fall centerpiece! It looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did, and I’m all about that life.
Quick Side Note: If you’ve got little ones like me who think candles are fascinating (AKA want to touch them every five seconds), opt for those battery-operated flameless candles. They’re super realistic, and you won’t be yelling, “Don’t touch that!” every ten minutes.
Alright, let’s talk about a fun (and quick!) DIY that even the least crafty of us can pull off - personalized fall throw pillows. I know, it sounds Pinterest-level complicated, but trust me, if I can do this between making snacks and PTA meetings, so can you.
Pick up some plain pillow covers from your favorite home store (or Amazon, if you don’t want to leave the house—no judgment). Grab a fabric marker or fabric paint and let your creativity flow. You can write “Hello Fall,” draw a cute pumpkin, or if you’re like me, add a cheeky phrase like “Pumpkin Kisses & Mom Life Wishes.” You’ll feel like a DIY queen, and your couch will thank you.
Last but not least. Want a fun, unique way to greet your guests? Create a trendy, personalized family pumpkin print that’s sure to give your front door that special touch. I did this last year, and it was a total game-changer! It’s so easy - you can either order one online or DIY it. Start by sketching out pumpkins in different sizes (each one representing a family member, including the fur babies, of course!) and add everyone’s names under their pumpkin. Think cute, not spooky!
Pro Tip: Add a fun seasonal saying like “The [Your Last Name] Family Harvest” or “Welcome to Our Pumpkin Patch” at the top. Frame it or hang it in a pretty autumn wreath, and you’ve got an instant conversation piece that will have your guests smiling before they even step inside. One friend commented that even the dog got a pumpkin - well, yeah! Gotta give credit where it’s due. Our golden retriever does guard those fall treats like his life depends on it.
I’ve got one more DIY that will make your home look like fall has arrived in style -a custom pumpkin wreath. All you need is a basic grapevine wreath (you can find these at any craft store), some faux mini pumpkins, a hot glue gun, and any other autumn-y things that catch your eye (think faux leaves, tiny acorns, or even a plaid ribbon).
Hot glue those pumpkins onto your wreath like you’re the next Martha herself, and hang it on your front door. Bonus: It’s reusable every year! I once made one of these during nap time, and it now holds a permanent spot on my door every fall. If that’s not #MomWin, I don’t know what is.
Moms, I get it - life is hectic, and sometimes the last thing you want to do is worry about decorating. But with these quick and easy hacks, you can add a touch of fall magic to your home without losing your mind. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Throw a plaid blanket on something, light a candle, and if you find a spare five minutes, maybe craft that cheeky fall pillow.
And if the kids want to turn your cozy autumn scene into a glitter-filled pumpkin unicorn extravaganza? Just roll with it. After all, those are the moments you’ll remember when the house is quiet, and the glitter is (finally) all swept up.
Happy fall, mamas! 🍂